Graphical Abstract:

Abstract:

Farnesyl Transferase is a hetero-dimer transferase that targets Ras proteins and attaches a
farnesyl group to it. This Ras protein, on localization to the cell membrane, has the ability to induce activation
of various growth and proliferation pathways of the cell. Over-activation of mutated Ras may
lead to the development of cancer. Farnesyl Transferase catalyses the initial step in the posttranslational
modification of normal as well as mutated Ras gene, thus facilitating its tethering to the
cell membrane. Inhibition of Farnesyl Transferase is the main step in restricting the activity of mutant
Ras protein. Thus the above enzyme has emerged as a novel target for anti-cancer agents. Here we review
the role of Farnesyl Transferase in tumorigenesis and various compounds of synthetic and natural
origin acting as Farnesyl Transferase inhibitors as potential anti-cancer agents.

Abstract:Farnesyl Transferase is a hetero-dimer transferase that targets Ras proteins and attaches a
farnesyl group to it. This Ras protein, on localization to the cell membrane, has the ability to induce activation
of various growth and proliferation pathways of the cell. Over-activation of mutated Ras may
lead to the development of cancer. Farnesyl Transferase catalyses the initial step in the posttranslational
modification of normal as well as mutated Ras gene, thus facilitating its tethering to the
cell membrane. Inhibition of Farnesyl Transferase is the main step in restricting the activity of mutant
Ras protein. Thus the above enzyme has emerged as a novel target for anti-cancer agents. Here we review
the role of Farnesyl Transferase in tumorigenesis and various compounds of synthetic and natural
origin acting as Farnesyl Transferase inhibitors as potential anti-cancer agents.